PRINT MODULESection One Auckland
SECTION ONE: PAGE FOUR
Close to downtown Auckland, visitors can gain an insight into the outdoor experiences and lifestyles which have seen Auckland voted amongst the top lifestyle destinations in the world. These areas include:
West Auckland
45 minutes from downtown Auckland:
- Waitakere Ranges: the perfect environment for mountain biking or walking. The Arataki Visitor Centre in West Auckland provides information about the parks, beaches and walking tracks in the area, 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. www.arc.govt.nz
- Woodhill Forest: 4WD-motorbike adventures over isolated beaches and through pristine forests. www.4trackadventures.co.nz
- Beaches: west coast wild black sandy beaches of Piha, Muriwai and Karekare with waterfalls and native rainforest. Muriwai is also home to a gannet colony.
- Art and craft: 'Art out West' craft trail for a mix of art and craft works.
- Surfing beaches: Muriwai, Bethels, Piha and Karekare.
South-east Auckland
45 minutes from downtown Auckland:
Self-drive visitors can follow the Pacific Coast Highway to Clevedon valley, with a mix of country crafts, gardens and boutique wineries. Upmarket country-style accommodation can also be found here. From Clevedon visitors can continue on to the Coromandel Peninsula along the Pacific Coast Highway, Enroute stops could be made at Miranda where thousands of sea birds migrate each year. www.gnztr.com
North Auckland
There are a number of destinations and attractions north of Auckland that are suitable to include in a day trip from Auckland or alternatively as stopping points enroute to the Northland region. For self-drive visitors that have arrived off long-haul flights suggest some of the following towns north of Auckland as ideal first night stops.
- Gulf Harbour: a coastal settlement that focuses on golf and sailing (40mins from downtown Auckland). www.gulf-harbour.co.nz
- Orewa: a sunny township spread along the edge of a beautiful beach (30 mins from downtown Auckland).
- Waiwera Thermal Resort: hot pools or spa treatments, 35 mins from downtown Auckland. www.waiwera.co.nz
- Puhoi: famous for its selection of innovative cheese blends. Activities also include river canoes down the Puhoi River.
- Goat Island Marine Reserve: an easily accessible marine reserve close to the village of Leigh. www.doc.govt.nz
- Kawau Island: a stately Mansion House, with links to Sir George Grey (one of New Zealand's first Governors). The Island has walking tracks leading to beaches, Maori pa (village) sites and old mines. Kawau Island is only a short ferry ride from Sandspit - a one-hour drive north of Auckland, or ferries depart from downtown Auckland (summer only).
- Horse riding: Pakiri Beach riding holidays and overnight safaris. www.horseride-nz.co.nz
More Information
For more detail on Auckland region and tourism operator’s contact details, visit either www.newzealand.com (designed by Tourism New Zealand) or www.aucklandnz.com - a website designed by Tourism Auckland, the Regional Tourism Organisation that promotes the region.
